Systems and methods for x-ray ct scanner with reconfigurable field of view

Abstract

A gantry assembly for use with an imaging system is provided. The gantry assembly includes an x-ray source and a modular detector assembly that includes a plurality of selectively removable detector modules. A first detector module of the plurality of detector modules is mounted at a first distance from the x-ray source and a second detector module of the plurality of detector modules is mounted at a second distance from the x-ray source. The first distance is different from the second distance. The gantry assembly is configured to image objects using both a first field of view and a second field of view that is larger than the first field of view.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The embodiments described herein relate generally to imaging systems, and more particularly, to imaging systems with a reconfigurable field of view.[0002]At least some known computer tomographic (CT) imaging systems have a predetermined field of view (FOV) that is generally chosen to be as small as possible while still meeting requirements for the particular imaging application. Because the FOV has a direct influence on the size of a detector array required, as well as the design and construction of the remainder of a gantry, selecting the FOV is important for the overall dimensions of the imaging system. Accordingly, the FOV drives the cost of the imaging system, as the number of detectors required to achieve a given FOV generally increases in proportion to a diameter of the FOV. Hence, all things being equal, a system with a larger FOV will be more expensive than an equivalent system with a smaller FOV.[0003]In cases of explosives detection or non-destructive testi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent is about a gantry assembly for an imaging system that can change the size of the field of view by adding or removing detector modules. This allows the system to take images of objects from a small field of view to a larger field of view. The technical effects of this invention include improved imaging capabilities and flexibility in detecting objects of different sizes.

Problems solved by technology

Hence, all things being equal, a system with a larger FOV will be more expensive than an equivalent system with a smaller FOV.

In cases of explosives detection or non-destructive testing, the problem is further complicated by the integration of the imaging system into the infrastructure of a manufacturing or transportation site.

For example, the installation of an explosives detection system into an airport may be conducted with a certain FOV in mind However, changes in the operation of the airport may result in a need to increase the FOV at a later time.

Accordingly, at least some known imaging systems are designed with a fixed FOV because the cost of changing the FOV is substantial.

As FOV requirements change, however, at least some known imaging systems are unable to be easily reconfigured to have a larger FOV.

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